Ina Garten Pastitsio Recipe

The Ina Garten Pastitsio Recipe is a delicious Greek-style baked pasta dish. It features layers of tender pasta, savory ground meat and creamy béchamel sauce.

This recipe is perfect for family dinners or special occasions. The combination of flavors makes every bite comforting and satisfying. Today, I will show you how to make Ina Garten Pastitsio with easy steps and simple ingredients.

I will also guide you on the ingredients for Ina Garten Pastitsio and tips to make it perfectly golden and creamy.

My Experience With This Ina Garten Pastitsio

I first tried this recipe for a weekend family dinner. The smell of sautéed meat, herbs, and creamy sauce filled the kitchen.

The pastitsio baked to a golden perfection. When I cut into it, the layers stayed intact and every bite was full of flavor. My family loved it and asked for seconds.

I realized this recipe is both comforting and impressive, yet surprisingly easy to make. It has now become a favorite in my recipe collection.

Recipe Card Info

• Recipe Name: Ina Garten Pastitsio
• Servings: 8
• Prep Time: 25 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hr
• Total Time: 1 hr 25 mins
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Greek / Mediterranean
• Calories: 450 kcal per serving

Equipment List

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Skillet for cooking meat
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk for sauce
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven mitts

Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Pastitsio

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef or lamb
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb penne or tubular pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 eggs, beaten
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk, warmed
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish for easy serving.

2. Cook the Pasta

Boil pasta until al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil, eggs and Parmesan cheese for flavor.

3. Make the Meat Sauce

Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add ground meat and cook until browned.

4. Add Seasonings

Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, cinnamon, salt and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes to develop rich flavor.

5. Prepare Béchamel Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan. Whisk in flour to make a roux. Gradually add warm milk and stir constantly.

6. Season and Add Eggs

Add nutmeg, salt and pepper to the sauce. Remove from heat, then whisk in lightly beaten eggs.

7. Layer the Pastitsio

Spread half of the pasta in the baking dish. Add meat sauce, then remaining pasta. Pour béchamel sauce evenly on top.

8. Bake in Oven

Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes until the top is golden and slightly puffed. Cool slightly before slicing.

9. Serve Warm

Cut into squares and serve warm. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Pastitsio

• Use quality meat for a richer flavor.
• Cook pasta al dente to prevent soggy layers.
• Simmer meat sauce long enough to develop depth.
• Whisk béchamel constantly to avoid lumps.
• Let the baked pastitsio rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking pasta, which makes layers mushy.
• Skipping eggs in pasta or béchamel, which help hold layers together.
• Not seasoning meat sauce well, which leads to bland flavor.
• Pouring hot béchamel directly onto pasta, which may scramble eggs.
• Cutting too early, which makes slices fall apart.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Ina Garten Pastitsio with a side of Greek salad, roasted vegetables or warm pita bread.

A light drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds freshness and color. This dish is hearty and filling, making it ideal for family dinners or festive occasions.

Variations You Can Try

• Use ground lamb instead of beef for authentic Greek flavor.
• Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the meat sauce.
• Sprinkle extra Parmesan or kefalotyri cheese on top for richness.
• Use gluten-free pasta for dietary needs.
• Add a touch of smoked paprika for extra warmth.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
• Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes to retain texture.
• Cover with foil while reheating to prevent drying out.
• Freezing individual slices works for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Stir béchamel sauce slightly before serving if it thickens in the fridge.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	450 kcal
Protein	25 g
Fat	18 g
Carbohydrates	45 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	6 g

Health Benefits

This pastitsio provides protein from meat and eggs, calcium from cheese and milk and fiber from pasta. Using lean meat and moderate oil makes it healthier.

Adding vegetables like onions or optional spinach increases vitamins and minerals. This recipe balances comfort and nutrition in a hearty, satisfying meal.

FAQs about Ina Garten Pastitsio Recipe

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pastitsio a day before and bake it before serving for fresh flavor.

Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, tubular pasta like rigatoni or ziti works well and holds the layers nicely.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
You can substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and flour in béchamel with gluten-free flour.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, replace meat with sautéed mushrooms, lentils or vegetables for a vegetarian version.

How do I get a golden top?
Bake uncovered and brush béchamel lightly with oil or melted butter for a beautifully golden crust.

Final Thoughts

The Ina Garten Pastitsio Recipe is a comforting, layered pasta dish perfect for family meals or special occasions.

With savory meat, tender pasta and creamy béchamel, it is both delicious and impressive. Using simple ingredients and following these easy steps ensures a flavorful, golden dish that everyone will love.

With tips, variations and careful cooking, this pastitsio will become a staple in your recipe collection, ideal for cozy dinners or festive gatherings.